Bald Eagles in Michigan

First, second, third and fourth year Bald Eagles (left to right) sketches by me.

During migration there is a progression of age classes of Bald Eagles. Early migration is dominated by adult birds and second year birds. Then as migration progresses there is a steady increase in first year birds. Third year birds are least common and fourth year birds are common, although most people would call them adults.

But now in mid-late summer the dominant plumages that we see are adults and hatch-year birds. Hatch year birds are similar to first year birds with less white in the tail, so they are quite dark.

As we get into fall we will start to see all age classes of Bald Eagles as they are heading south. As winter approaches adult and fourth-year birds will dominate as they want to stay close to nesting areas.

In January and/or February we’ll visit Dafter Dump (yes, only something bird watchers will do) where we’ll see 50-80 Bald Eagles with adult plumages dominating.

Now, get out and look for eagles, they’re everywhere. We’ve seen them in every county in Michigan that we have visited.

More later…